This is a checklist to help one understand Autism Spectrum Disorder. One may use it to self-diagnose or as a worksheet to present to a doctor or therapist and better communicate symptoms they are experiencing. All information is taken from the DSM-5, and I have received help from people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in order to create this checklist.

Section I
Must check ALL of the following:

• I have trouble communicating with others.
• I feel I have odd social habits, such as an inability to participate in normal back-and-forth conversation, reduced sharing of interests and emotions, and/or a failure to initiate or respond to social interactions. 
• I’m bad at picking up on nonverbal forms of communication, such as body language, gestures, and facial expressions. 
• I have difficulty developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.
• I have experienced these symptoms since I was a minor. 
• My symptoms have caused distress for me in social, occupational, and/or other areas of functioning. 
• My symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder, substance use, or a medical condition.

Section II
Must check TWO or more of the following:

• I use repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech when communicating with others.
• I prefer sameness, and I rely on routines. Small changes can cause me a lot of stress.
• When I become interested in something, I experience it intensely and can become very attached and focused. 
• I am hypersensitive to the world around me.

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Section III
Common Symptoms and Behaviors (not required for diagnosis):

• I have difficulty picking up on sarcasm.
• I often use overly literal language.
• I have difficulty opening up to others and sharing my emotions.
• I feel anxiety in social situations.
• I am uncomfortable with making eye contact with others.
• I am clumsy.
• I self-harm.
• Sometimes I shut down and just don’t want to speak at all.
• I have trouble with perspective and understanding others’ viewpoints.
• I have difficulty self-analyzing and therefore have difficulty letting people know how I’m feeling and expressing my needs.
• I often find myself at a loss for words.
• I am easily overwhelmed when there are too many people.
• I participate in self-stimulation (or “stimming”), flapping hands/arms, spinning, or needing to apply pressure to certain parts of my body.
• I come off as harsh sometimes because I have difficulty understanding others.
• If someone upsets my routine, it triggers my anxiety.
• I have a sensitivity to light and sound.
• I have difficulty with “me” vs “we” thinking. 

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